Lazio have released a statement backing captain Stefano Mauri after it was confirmed he will face charges relating to Calcioscommesse.

The 33-year-old is accused of sporting fraud after alleged involvement in fixing matches between the capital club, Lecce and Genoa.

He is also cited as having violated Article 1 paragraph 1 of the Code of Sports Justice, the principles of loyalty, fairness and integrity, and Article 6 paragraph 1, prohibition of betting.

But the club have come out in defence of the veteran, saying: “Lazio have taken note of the referral given by the Disciplinary Committee, referring to the games Lazio-Genoa and Lecce-Lazio dating back to 2010/11.

“We reiterate our confidence [in Mauri] and have always claimed innocence in both a disciplinary and criminal case.

“We assume that this case will be able to prove StafanoMauri's innocence against these alleged facts and will eliminate suspicion.”

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